British singer Morrissey has canceled two US performances after receiving a death threat ahead of a scheduled concert in Ottawa, Canada.
Police in Ottawa arrested a 26-year-old man who allegedly threatened to kill the artist, whose full name is Steven Morrissey, prior to his appearance at a local music festival last week. The suspect was later released on bail. Despite the threat, the Ottawa show proceeded as planned.
Days later, Morrissey called off shows in Boston, Massachusetts, and Bridgeport, Connecticut. A statement from Boston’s MGM Music Hall said the cancellation followed “a credible threat on Morrissey’s life,” adding that the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and the band.”
Morrissey, the former frontman of The Smiths who has built a long solo career since leaving the group in 1987, is known for outspoken views on politics and animal rights. He previously boycotted Canada in 2006 to protest the country’s annual seal hunt.
